Urban Outfitters Agrees to End On-Call Scheduling in NY: AG

Clothing and housewares retailer Urban Outfitters has agreed to end the practice of on-call scheduling in all of its New York stores, according to Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, who helped negotiate the decision.

Starting next month, the retailer will begin a phased end to the practice, which includes a store in The Westchester in White Plains.

“As part of this agreement, Urban Outfitters has also agreed to provide employees with their schedules at least one week prior to the start of the workweek,” said Schneiderman in a statement. “Workers deserve basic protections, including a reliable work schedule that allows them to budget living expenses, arrange for childcare needs, and plan their days.”

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On-call scheduling, particularly in retail environments, has come under fire in recent months as being unfair to employees who find it difficult to schedule activities and appointments outside of work. Starbucks recently amended such practices and now notifies employees of their schedule 10 days in advance.

In addition to Urban Outfitters, Schneiderman’s office has secured similar assurances to end such practices from other retailers, including the Gap and Abercrombie & Fitch.

“I commend Urban Outfitters for taking this important step to ensure that their employees have schedules that are more predictable,” Schneiderman added. “Since my office launched an inquiry into scheduling practices earlier this year, Urban Outfitters is the fifth major retailer to end the use of on call-shifts, including Abercrombie & Fitch, Bath & Body Works, Gap, and Victoria’s Secret.”